Feb 16, 2023
Campground Electricity Among Chadron State Park Improvements
Campers at Chadron State Park soon will have more power — more electrical power, that is. Later this
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From Fourth of July festivities to competitive bike, kayak and run races, Nebraska state parks are offering a variety of summer fun across the state.
Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter Nebraska Game and Parks state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
Travel 200 years back in time for Fourth of July weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in Fort Calhoun.
From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 1 and 2, visitors will be able to glimpse the holiday activities that would have taken place at this 1820s-era outpost.
Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park. Reenactors portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.
Admission to the newly revitalized Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center is $4 per adult and $1 per child.
Learn more at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Fort Robinson State Park with daily events July 2 to 4.
Enjoy the 50th Western and Wildlife Art Show, which opens at 9 a.m. Mountain Time each day at the Fort Robinson Veterinary Hospital.
On July 3, children between 2 and 18 years old are invited to participate in the Children’s Wall of Art Contest from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $5 to participate. Art materials are provided for children to complete a piece of art onsite. First-, second- and third-place winners in each age group will be presented at 1 p.m.
Barbecue on the west lawn will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 4. Cost is $12 per person. A fried chicken buffet also will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 4 at the Fort Robinson Restaurant. Cost is $18 per person.
Attend the Mahoney Wedding Expo at its newest venue, Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge, from 1 to 4 p.m. July 9 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland.
The bridal fair will feature about 40 vendors, including photographers, deejays, event planners, food and dessert businesses, wedding attire companies, invitation designers and more.
The event is free, but guests must pre-register to attend. Register through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. The first 40 registered brides in the door will receive a bride’s sash and be entered to win a date night.
Vendors interested in having a booth at the event should contact Amanda Jewel Events at tiffany.ajewelevents@gmail.com or 402-671-3317.
For a touch of holiday cheer, bring the family to Indian Cave State Park near Shubert on July 14-15 for the 10th Annual Campfire Christmas in July.
Between 7-10 p.m. July 14, guests can play flashlight reindeer pellet round-up or take a Polar Express hayrack ride through a Christmas light display.
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 15, guests can meet Santa, ride the hayrack Polar Express, participate in the Yule log quest, ride ponies, play on a water slide or watch a Christmas-themed outdoor movie. Guests also can try their hand at antler toss, snowball toss and toilet seat horseshoes.
The Jingle Bell Junk and Craft Market will be from 1 to 6 p.m. July 15. Food trucks also will be on the grounds offering brisket burgers, ice cream, funnel cakes, fried Oreos and shaved ice.
A campground-decorating competition will be at 8 p.m. Saturday with winners announced the next morning at the entrance booth.
Find additional event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Put your best sleuthing hat on and join the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park for an old-fashioned whodunnit in the magnificent setting of Arbor Lodge Mansion in Nebraska City.
Themes are Murder Among Mateys, a family-friendly mystery, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 28, and Cruising for Murder, adult only, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 29.
Participants will solve clues, look for evidence, and break the case while mingling with new friends.
Cost is $30 per person. Light refreshments, a self-guided tour of Arbor Lodge, and tax are included in the price. A beverage cooler with drinks for purchase will be available that evening. Space is limited.
Purchase tickets through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Sign up or cheer on competitors in the annual Crofton Dam Race on July 29 at Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area in Crofton.
Competitors can choose among three events: A sprint triathlon with kayaking instead of swimming, a half marathon or 12-mile bike race. Participants must be 14 years or older. The Triathlon can be done individually on in teams.
Each entry receives a T-shirt, bib and meal following the race. Register at croftonsdamrace.com.
Kayaks are provided and medals will be awarded for winners of each age group.
Funds from the Crofton Dam Race help fund the development and construction of a hike-bike trail at Lewis and Clark SRA.
